Day 1 - Historic Nice and panoramic views of Cimiez
Nice and the Bay of Angels / photo by Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock.com
Presentation
Start your trip by discovering Nice, a city that combines Mediterranean charm and heritage. The Vieux-Nice, with its narrow streets and ochre facades, evokes an Italian past: until 1860, the city was still part of the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. The Cours Saleya, renowned for its flower market, is a must-see place to breathe in the scents of jasmine and lavender. Higher up, the Colline du Château, although no fortress remains, offers a unique panorama over the Baie des Anges. In the afternoon, the Promenade des Anglais, laid out in the 19th century for British winterers, unveils its palm trees and Belle Époque facades. Finally, the Cimiez district brings together Roman heritage (ancient arenas, monastery) and artistic heritage with the Musée Matisse, housed in a 17th-century villa. This first day plunges you into the soul of the city and captures the diversity that makes up its identity.
Le Cours Saleya in Nice and its market / photo by Rostislav Glinsky/Shutterstock.com
Original activity
At the end of the day, rent an electric bike to ride along the Promenade des Anglais at sunset. The changing colors of the sea and facades are ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Le Negresco on "the prom" / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay
Dinner
At 8pm, settle in around Place Garibaldi, the lively heart of the city, or on the side of Port Lympia, where terraces and local ambience mingle.
Access & transport
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Nice-Ville station: Avenue Thiers, 06000 Nice - TER and TGV connections.
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Tram L1 : stop Cathédrale - Vieille Ville, Place Garibaldi, 06300 Nice.
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Tram L2 : stop Garibaldi - Le Château, Place Garibaldi, 06300 Nice.
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Musée Matisse: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice.
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TER/TGV station : SNCF Connect
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Streetcar and bus network : Lignes d'Azur
Nice and its colors / photo by Reuben Teo/Shutterstock.com
Day 2 - Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Presentation
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is a ... Cap. Du coup on peut en faire le tour / Photo choisi par monsieurdefrance.com : Depositphotos CezaryWojtkowski
Just a few minutes by train from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a real postcard setting. Its harbor, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, has always welcomed sailors and travelers alike. The port de la Darse, created in the 16th century by the Dukes of Savoy, bears witness to this long maritime history. The center, with its colorful facades and arched alleyways, retains a picturesque atmosphere. The plage des Marinières, long and sheltered, is ideal for a morning swimming break. After lunch, head for Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a verdant peninsula renowned for its billionaires' villas and unspoilt coastline. The sentier du littoral offers a succession of coves, cliffs and spectacular views over the Mediterranean. It's the perfect place to experience the rugged beauty of the coast, just minutes from Nice.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat has lovely beaches and a very easy view of the big blue / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Jérôme PROD'HOMME (c)
Original activity
Book a guided snorkeling session in Villefranche Bay. Posidonia meadows and schools of multicolored fish make this immersion a rare experience.
Dinner
Dinner in Villefranche or Saint Jean or return to Nice for dinner in the Port district or around the Place du Pin, lively in the evening.
Villefranche Bay/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
Access & transport
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Villefranche-sur-Mer train station: Avenue Sadi Carnot, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer.
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Plage des Marinières : Promenade des Marinières, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer.
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Port de la Darse : 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer.
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Bus 15 : stop Masséna, Avenue Félix Faure, 06000 Nice → stop Port de Saint-Jean, Quai Lindbergh, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
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Sentier du Littoral : Quai Lindbergh, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
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Site TER : SNCF Connect
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Bus 15 : Lignes d'Azur
Day 3 - Antibes and Cap d'Antibes
Antibes and its old town / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: pixabay
Presentation
A 20-minute train ride from Nice, Antibes reveals a different atmosphere, between Provencal traditions and maritime openness. The Vieille Ville, encircled by ramparts inherited from the Middle Ages and reinforced by Vauban, retains an authentic charm with its cobbled streets, shady squares and covered market. The Musée Picasso, housed in the Château Grimaldi, pays tribute to the artist who worked here in 1946, leaving over 60 works. The coastline is marked by the Cap d'Antibes, a rocky promontory covered in umbrella pines. The chemin des Douaniers, also known as the Tire-Poil trail, skirts the cliffs, offering transparent coves and panoramic views of the snow-covered Alps in winter. It's one of the most beautiful trails on the Côte d'Azur coastline.
The old center is rich in color and beautiful shops / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Original activity
Try sea kayaking from the plage de la Garoupe: gliding along between creeks and cliffs offers another view of this mythical cape.
The view of Antibes at night / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Circumnavi via dépositphotos
Dinner
Evening at leisure: dinner in Antibes to enjoy the Provencal atmosphere, or return to Nice for a change of pace.
Access & transport
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Gare d'Antibes : Place Pierre Semard, 06600 Antibes.
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Musée Picasso: Place Mariejol, Château Grimaldi, 06600 Antibes.
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Marché provençal : Cours Masséna, 06600 Antibes.
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Plage de la Garoupe : Cap d'Antibes, 06160 Antibes.
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Chemin des Douaniers : Departure from Plage de la Garoupe, 06160 Antibes.
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Site TER : SNCF Connect
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Bus Cap d'Antibes : Envibus Antibes
The Vauban port and its incredible boats / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Lindasky76 via depositphotos
Day 4 - Cannes and the Lérins Islands
Presentation
Cannes / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
Around 35 minutes by train from Nice, Cannes opens onto a world-famous waterfront: the Croisette, a promenade lined with palm trees, palaces and luxury boutiques. But beyond the glitz of the festival, Cannes retains an old-world charm in the Suquet district, perched on a hill overlooking the town. Its cobbled streets, Notre-Dame d'Espérance church and old castle are a reminder that Cannes was originally a fishing village. From the Vieux-Port, maritime shuttles take you to the Îles de Lérins. Ile Sainte-Marguerite is home to Fort Royal, infamous for locking up the Man in the Iron Mask, while Ile Saint-Honorât has been occupied since the 5th century by Cistercian monks who still produce wine. Between pine forests, coves and spiritual heritage, Lérins offers an unforgettable natural escape.
A select beach and a yacht approaching Cannes / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
Original activity
Take part in a wine tasting on Saint-Honorât Island, crafted by the abbey's monks.
Dinner
At 8pm, feast your eyes on the Suquet district, overlooking the bay.
Access & transport
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Gare de Cannes: 1 Place de la Gare, 06400 Cannes.
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Isles de Lérins shuttles: Quai Laubeuf, Port de Cannes, 06400 Cannes.
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Fort Royal (île Sainte-Marguerite): Îles de Lérins, 06400 Cannes.
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Abbaye de Lérins (île Saint-Honorât): Îles de Lérins, 06400 Cannes.
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Site TER : SNCF Connect
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Sea shuttles : Trans Côte d'Azur
The Cannes Film Festival is an amazing time to be at if you like the hustle and bustle and bumping into celebrities / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: tanka_v via depositphotos
Day 5 - Monaco and the Princely Rock
Presentation
Port view / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France : by lolo de Pixabay
The TER takes you to Monaco-Monte-Carlo in just over 20 minutes. Here, the scenery changes radically: modern skyscrapers rub shoulders with palaces and gardens. On the Roche princier, seat of power for centuries, you'll discover the Princely Palace and the cathédrale de Monaco, where Rainier III and Princess Grace are laid to rest. The jardins Saint-Martin, planted with pines and Mediterranean species, offer a haven of greenery with stunning sea views. In the afternoon, the Musée océanographique, founded by Prince Albert I, presents an exceptional collection of marine species and cetacean skeletons. Further down, the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Port Hercule embody the principality's social image, but also its history linked to the automobile and the legendary F1 Grand Prix.
Monaco is a global showcase for Luxury/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Hans de Pixabay
Original activity
Try out a Formula 1 simulator to experience the thrill of a lap around the streets of Monaco.
Dinner
Either in a restaurant in Monaco's old town, or back to Nice for dinner.
La releve de la garde à Monaco / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Fabien de Pixabay
Access & transport
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Monaco-Monte-Carlo train station: Place Sainte-Dévote, 98000 Monaco.
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Palais princier: Place du Palais, 98015 Monaco.
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Cathédrale de Monaco : 4 Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, 98000 Monaco.
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Musée océanographique: Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco.
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Site TER : SNCF Connect
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Bus ZOU! 600 : ZOU! Southern Region Transport
Why not have a picnic on one of Nice's pebble beaches / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Pixabay
Day 6 - Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Vence
Presentation
Saint Paul de Vence on its spur dominating the landscape / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos.
Leaving the coast for the hinterland, you'll discover two art villages. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, perched on a hill, seduces with its ramparts, art galleries and cobbled streets lined with stone houses. Many 20th-century artists, such as Chagall who is buried here, chose this village for inspiration. Not far away, the Fondation Maeght brings together a unique collection of modern and contemporary art with works by Giacometti, Miró and Calder, showcased in a sculpture garden. Just a few kilometers away, Vence unveils its Romanesque cathedral, medieval ramparts and lively squares. The contrast with the coast is striking: here, the atmosphere is quieter and more intimate, ideal for feeling the spirit of Provence.
At Saint Paul de Vence we come across art in the most unexpected places / Photo Jérôme PROD'HOMME (c)
Original activity
Take part in a perfume workshop or an introduction to watercolor painting, organized by local workshops.
Saint Paul de Vence is brimming with small artisan boutiques and art galleries / Photo Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
Dinner
Return to Nice for dinner at 8 pm.
Access & transport
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Cagnes-sur-Mer train station: Place de la Gare, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer.
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Bus ZOU! 655 : stop Gare SNCF Cagnes-sur-Mer → stop Saint-Paul Village, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Fondation Maeght: 623 Chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Cathédrale de Vence : Place Clemenceau, 06140 Vence.
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Site TER : SNCF Connect
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Bus 655 : ZOU! Southern Region Transport
La grande bleue à Nice / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: by confused_me from Pixabay
Day 7 - Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze-bord-de-Mer
Presentation
Eze is perched more than 400 meters above the waves / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos.
To round off your stay, take the TER to Beaulieu-sur-Mer (10 minutes from Nice). The elegant, tranquil town boasts two harbors and the famous Villa Kérylos, a unique reconstruction of an ancient Greek dwelling, commissioned by archaeologist Théodore Reinach. Its marble, mosaics and frescoes immerse visitors in the Hellenistic art of living. After lunch, head down one station to Èze-sur-Mer. You can enjoy the beach, or take the sentier Nietzsche, a sporty 1 h 30 climb to the perched village of Èze. There, medieval alleyways lead to the Jardin exotique, overlooking the sea at 429 meters above sea level. Cacti and agaves create a spectacular backdrop.
Original activity
Try your hand at paddle in Beaulieu Bay, a fun and sporty way to discover the coast.
The garden is embellished with works of art / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
Dinner
Last dinner in Nice, in the Port district or Place du Pin.
Access & transport
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Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station: Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
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Villa Kérylos : Impasse Gustave Eiffel, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
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Gare d'Èze-sur-Mer : Avenue de la Liberté, 06360 Èze.
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Jardin exotique d'Èze : Rue du Château, 06360 Èze.
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Site TER : SNCF Connect
Provence rosé is the great wine specialty of the Côte d'Azur / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Karolina Grabowska de Pixabay
Accommodation on the Côte d'Azur
The old Nice / photo by Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock.com
Around Nice, a number of communes offer low-cost accommodation while remaining well connected. Villefranche-sur-Mer (TER 6 min), Beaulieu-sur-Mer (TER 10 min) and Saint-Laurent-du-Var (streetcar L2 airport-center) offer charm and quick access. Further west, Cagnes-sur-Mer (TER 15 min) is ideal for also reaching Saint-Paul and Vence. If you have a car, you can even drive further into the hinterland for a quiet evening.
Access to the Côte d'Azur
The Villa Rothschild in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, its architecture and breathtaking view / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: CAHKT via depositphotos.
From Paris
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By train: TGV INOUI Paris-Gare de Lyon → Nice (5h40 to 6h). SNCF Connect
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By plane : Frequent flights Paris (CDG/ORY) → Nice (NCE). Streetcar L2 direct airport-center (25-30 min). Lignes d'Azur
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By car: 930 km via A6/A7/A8, 9-10 h drive.
From abroad
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USA: seasonal direct flights from New York (JFK), Newark (EWR) and Washington-Dulles (IAD).
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Germany: direct flights Frankfurt and Munich → Nice (1h30-1h45).
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Mexico: no direct flights; connections via Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam or Frankfurt.
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Netherlands : direct flights Amsterdam (AMS) → Nice (2h10).
